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Castroreale

  Full Day

Castroreale (Royal Fortress) is a small hill town south of Milazzo in the province of Messina. While dating back to prehistoric times under Arab rule, the town also included a strong Guidecca (Jewish community) during medieval times. Today its many churches have impressive art works, and its elevated setting provides many magnificent views. Upon arrival, we will walk to Piazza Marconi to visit the the 15th Century Church of Santa Maria Assunta (if open), renovated in the 17th and containing many impressive artistic works - especially its 7 sun dials. Continuing on Corso Umberto I, we will view the tower remaining from the 1324 castle built by Frederick II of Aragon over the ruins of an Arab fortress.

After lunch, we will head to Piazza Peculio and walk through arch behind Monte di Pietà, where we will see the ruins of Moschita, the synagogue of the Guidecca that remained active until around the end of the 15th Century.

Catania

  Full Day

Catania, the second largest city in Sicily, was founded by the Greeks in the late 8th Century BCE and later became a prominent Roman colony. Today the city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its impressive Baroque architecture. We begin our walking tour in the Piazza del Duomo and admire the Fontana dell’Elefante (Fountain of the Elephant), the symbol of Catania, and the Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, dedicated to the patron saint of the city. We continue walking to Piazza Universita and Piazza Stesicoro with its magnificent Roman amphitheatre.

Catania, the second largest city in Sicily, was founded by the Greeks in the late 8th Century BCE and later became a prominent Roman colony. Today the city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its impressive Baroque architecture. We begin our walking tour in the Piazza del Duomo and admire the Fontana dell’Elefante (Fountain of the Elephant), the symbol of Catania, and the Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, dedicated to the patron saint of the city. We continue walking to Piazza Universita and Piazza Stesicoro with its magnificent Roman amphitheatre.

Cefalù

  Full Day

Cefalù, located on the northern coast of Sicily on the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a popular site with its fascinating history, lovely beaches, picturesque harbor, and waterfront restaurants serving delicious, fresh seafood. We will begin our walking tour in Cefalù's medieval centro storico (historic centre). First, we will visit the Duomo (if open), built by the Norman King Roger II in the 12th Century and containing some of the oldest, finest Byzantine church mosaics in Sicily. Next we will wander around the town’s quaint streets and stop at the 9th Century Lavatoio (Laundry), where the local people did their washing in spring-fed basins. Next we will stroll by the harbor with its many colorful fishing boats, a popular setting for many movies including the 1989 film Cinema Paradiso.

If time permits after lunch, we will hike up La Rocca (The Rock) to the 5th Century Tempio di Diana (Temple of Diana - goddess of the hunt, the moon, and childbirth),and the ruins of a fortress. Yes, there are many steps! Our reward will be the magnificent views.

"The Godfather" Footprints

  Half Day

We begin our tour with a scenic drive to Savoca, considered one of the most attractive towns near Taormina. After arrival, we will walk to the Bar Vitelli, which has a gorgeous terrace with a collection of photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola filmed some scenes for The Godfather I. After free time for a granita in Bar Vitelli, we will visit Chiesa Madre with its fine 16th Century portal, surmonted by a beautifully carved oculus and the coat of arms of the town of Savoca. The portal also bears an elderberry branch from which the name of the town is supposedly derived. Next we will ride to Forza d’Agrò, an attractive medieval hamlet that caps the farthermost spurs of Monti Peloritani and provides a splendid view of the coast. Here in 1990, some scenes with Al Pacino and Sofia Coppola were filmed for The Godfather III.

Gole dell’Alcantara and Francavilla di Sicilia

  Full Day

About 600,000 years ago, a small volcano erupted at Mt. Etna and poured forth enormous quantities of lava that formed Gole dell’Alcantara. After arrival, we will descend on foot to the entrance of the gorge to discover a spectacular view of the whole area. The beautiful stone-cliff tower forms pentagonal and hexagonal prisms, irregular shapes that interplay with the light and create forms - both graceful and monstrous. A natural botanical reserve is also located in the park, and your guide (an expert in botany) will provide much information about the flora and fauna.

Afterwards we will explore the village of Francavilla di Sicilia, where a violent battle occurred between the Spaniards and Austrians in the 16th Century. Here we will also visit the Capucin Monastery, founded in the 16th Century.

Messina and Tindarys

  Full Day

Our walking tour begins in Messina, called The Gate of Sicily and separated from mainland Italy by only five kilometres. In ancient times the Greeks named the city  Zancle for its sickle-shaped harbour. Although it is hard to imagine, a devastating earthquake leveled Messina in 1908, and several Allied raids bombed it intensely during World War II. After passing interesting sites like the Church of San Francesco and the Fountain of Neptune, we will visit the National Museum to see some paintings by Caravaggio. Afterwards our tour will continue past the City Hall, the Church of the Annunziata dei Catalani, and Piazza Duomo. Here the most interesting part of the bell-tower (60 metres high) is the astronomical clock to the left of the Cathedral.

Our excursion will continue by coach to Tindarys (Tyndaris or Tindari) on the northeastern coast of Sicily. This hill town, with its magnificent location overlooking the Tyrrenhian Sea in front of the Aeolian Islands, was founded by the Greeks in 396 B.C. and became a Roman colony by 254 B.C. In its small museum, we will see the many artifacts excavated in the area. Then we will walk around to view the Greco-Roman Theatre, dwellings, baths, and other ruins associated with the daily life of the settlers. After a short walk uphill from the ruins, we will tour the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari, an important pilgrimage site for many Sicilians. Upon entering this 20th Century church, built on the site of an earlier church and an even earlier temple, we will look closely at the beautiful stained glass windows about virtues. Then we will continue inside to view the Black Madonna, high above the altar, and learn about her Byzantine origins and the legends associated with her.

Milazzo

  Half Day

Today Milazzo, called Mylai (“city of the sea”) in ancient times, is known primarily as the main port for travel to the Aeolian Islands, which lie only a few miles offshore. However, the city has much more to offer to tourists and natives. In Borgo Antico, the oldest part of the town, we will visit the Santuario di San Francesco di Paola, a 1464 church founded by the saint. Then we will continue the walking tour to the Castello, built by the Arabs on the site of a Greek acropolis and enlarged several times during the French and the Spanish periods. Next we will stroll along the seafront on Lungomare Garibaldi and cross into the district of Vaccarella. Here we will stop to enjoy the open-air fish market and then follow the panoramic road along the eastern side of the Milazzo promontory.

The peninsula of Capo Milazzo  is perhaps the highlight of our excursion. It possesses not only natural beauty but also historical remnants of all the cultures that once inhabited Sicily. Recent restorations have enhanced its appeal. Now we will climb a short flight of steps leading to the Santuario di Sant’Antonio da Padova, a little church built in the cave where the saint took refuge after a shipwreck in January 1221. Our return walk to Milazzo will take us past many groves of wild olive trees and prickly pears.

Note: The Excursion to Milazzo can easily be combined with the Excursion to Santa Lucia del Mela for a full day.

Montalbano Elicona and Argimusco

  Full Day

Voted Borgo dei Borghi 2015 d’Italia (Most Beautiful Village in Italy), Montalbano Elicona is a small medieval hilltop town located in the middle of the Nebrodi Mountains in the Province of Messina. We will drive up to the town on a picturesque, winding ride overlooking the Aeolian Islands and then walk down narrow cobblestone streets to reach Piazza Castello, the historic center. Here we will tour the impressive Castello, built by Emperor Frederic II in the 12th Century. Our tour of the castle will end with a stop in the museum of weapons in the basement. Next door to the castle, we will visit the Chiesa di Santa Caterina (if open), built in the 1300s and restored several times, to see its beautiful marble statue of the saint and other art works. If time permits, we will also visit the Chiesa di Spirito Santo (if open), dating from the 14th Century, to see its wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, covered in jewels.

In the afternoon, we will drive and then walk to Argimusco, a high and vast area of megaliths that resemble both human and animal forms. The site is sometimes called the “Stonehenge of Sicily.” While archaeologists believe the megaliths were created by natural forces, local legends say prehistoric people created this site for ceremonial uses. Regardless of the origins, the magnificent views impress all visitors.

Mt. Etna and Taormina

  Full Day

Sicily’s tallest peak is the majestic Mt. Etna, one of Europe's most famous active volcanoes. In the 20th Century, the most violent eruptions occurred in 1910, leading to the formation of 23 additional craters. Then in 1928, a lava flow destroyed the village of Mascali, and other major eruptions have since followed: in 1981, 1983, 1985, 1991-92, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2012. We will visit the Crateri Silvestri, an area at 2,000 metres (6,000 feet).

In the afternoon, we will visit Taormina, called the true gem of Sicily. Named Taurominum in ancient Greek, Taormina is the the land of Dolce far niente (“the sweet of doing nothing”). Its elevated position creates infinite loveliness by combining the marvelous blues of the sea and sky, the miles of curving coastline, and the picturesque mountains. On one side, the splendid pyramid of Mt. Etna offers a scene of indescribable beauty. After our arrival, we will visit the Greco-Roman Theatre, Taormina's most impressive monument. With its unique and beautiful location, it is surely one of the most striking monuments of antiquity. Next we will walk to Villa Comunale, the public gardens with a huge variety of flowering plants and shrubs. We will view and learn about all of the garden's botanical wonders, ranging from the most common to the most exotic.

Mt. Etna

  Half or Full Day

Sicily’s tallest peak is the majestic Mt. Etna, one of Europe’s most famous active volcanoes. In the 20th Century, the most violent eruptions occurred in 1910, leading to the formation of 23 additional craters. Then in 1928, a lava flow destroyed the village of Mascali, and other major eruptions have since followed: in 1981, 1983, 1985, 1991-92, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2012.

In the half-day excursion, we will visit the Crateri Silvestri, an area at 2,000 metres (6,000 feet). In the full-day excursion - weather-permitting, of course - we can ascend to the top by funicular and 4-wheel drive to reach the slope of the central crater at around the 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). We will be in the vicinity of the former Torre del Filosofo, a refuge, which was destroyed by lava in 1998. Here also are four other craters: the southeastern crater, the immense central crater, the northeastern crater, and the Bocca Nuova ("New Mouth"), which has been the most active recently.

Novara di Sicilia

  Full Day

Our picturesque ride on a serpentine mountain road will take us to Novara di Sicilia, a charming medieval town honored as a Borgo dei Borghi d’Italia (Most Beautiful Village in Italy) but often missed by tourists. Since ancient times, agriculture has helped this small hilltop town endure and prosper under many different rulers. We will arrive in the Piazza Duomo, the town's historic centre, and visit the 16th Century cathedral (if open). Then as we wander the narrow cobbled streets, we will pass several more beautiful churches. On the cliffside, we will see many small houses, the ruins of the Castle Saraceno, and the magnificent views of the valley with the Tyrrhenian Sea on the horizon.

After lunch, we will visit the anthropological museum to see the artifacts of the local culture over the centuries. Our return ride in the afternoon will be as scenic as the morning one!

Piazza Armerina

  Full Day

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Piazza Armerina became an important Norman settlement in the 11th Century and flourished during Roman times. We will begin a few miles outside the centro storico (historic center) at Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be a 4th Century hunting lodge of the Roman emperor Maximian. It is one of the most impressive sites in Sicily. The villa contains some of the best-preserved floor mosaics in the world, praised by archaeologists because they are in situ, which refers to artifacts that have not been moved from their original locations. One highlight is always the mosaic of the 10 “Bikini Girls” playing sports.

After lunch, we will return to the medieval centro storico (historic center), where we will see many examples of Norman or Gothic architecture on our walk. Our first stop will be a tour of the impressive Baroque Cattedrale di Maria Santissima delle Vittorie (Maria of the Victories - if open), renovated in the 17th and 18th Centuries on the foundation of the a former church. Next door we will view the Palazzo Trigona, the home of the wealthy family who commissioned the cathedral.

Santa Lucia del Mela

  Half Day

The hill town of Santa Lucia del Mela, known as Mankarru in ancient times, is located in the Province of Messina and only a short drive from Milazzo. Although the town’s exact origins are unknown, it was ruled by many conquerors. On our walking tour, the diverse landscape of Santa Lucia del Mela will provide us with magnificent views of the lush forests of the mountains in one direction and beautiful views of the Aeolian Islands in another. We will visit the hilltop castle, built in the mid-800s by the Arabs for defense and later renovated by Swabian and Aragonese rulers. Next to the castle we will tour the Santa Lucia del Mela Cathedral (if open), built in 1094 by Norman Count Roger I. After conquering the town, he changed its name to Santa Lucia and built a church to fulfill his vow for his conquest. (The del Mela - of the Apple - was added in the mid-1800s to distinguish the town from other communities with the same name.) Once the town even had a large, prosperous Giudecca, a Jewish community until the Jewish people were expelled by the Aragonese rulers in 1493. During the Renaissance, Santa Lucia del Mela became a important center of learning. Of course, we will be sure to stop at a local pasticceria (pastry shop) to sample some of the town's famous nougats, marzipan, and almond cookies. If time permits, we will also visit other important churches in the Centro Storico (Historic Center).

Siracusa, including Ortigia

  Full Day

Siracusa, founded by the ancient Greek Corinthians, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its rich history, culture, and amphitheatres, the city boasts of having one of the largest concentrations of Greek ruins outside of Greece! It is also the birthplace of Archimedes, the greatest mathematician in classical antiquity and one of the greatest of all time.

Our excursion will begin in the modern part of the city with a tour of the superb Archaeological Park of the Neapolis with its majestic Greek Theatre, Altar of Hieron II, Ear of Dionisyus, Roman Amphitheatre, and stone quarries.

Next we will wander around the charming, medieval, and narrow streets on the island of Ortigia, the historic centre also known as Città Vecchia (Old City). We will view many romantically-crumbled Baroque palaces and churches
including the Duomo, the oldest Doric style temple built in Sicily and one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world. We will also visit the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia to admire The Burial of Saint Lucy, one of Caravaggio's masterpieces. Recently restored in Rome, the painting is a deeply moving experience for every viewer. Our day ends at the fresh water spring of Aretusa, where papyrus still grows abundantly and whose history goes back to the earliest Greek colonists.

Taormina and Castelmola

  Full Day

Named Taurominum in ancient Greek, Taormina is called the true gem of Sicily and the land of Dolce far niente (“the sweet of doing nothing”). Its elevated position creates infinite loveliness by combining the marvelous blues of the sea and sky, the miles of curving coastline, and the picturesque mountains. On one side, the majestic pyramid of Mt. Etna offers a scene of indescribable beauty. After our arrival, we will visit the Greco-Roman Theatre, Taormina’s most impressive monument. With its unique and beautiful location, it is surely one of the most striking monuments of antiquity. Next we will walk to the Villa Comunale, the public gardens with a huge variety of flowering plants and shrubs. We will view and learn about all of the garden’s botanical wonders, ranging from the most common to the most exotic.

After lunch, we will explore Castelmola. This village, occupying a strategic position high up behind Taormina, is centered around the small but quite picturesque Piazzetta del Duomo. In one of the bars in the main square, we will have the chance to taste Castelmola’s famous vino di mandorla (“almond wine”).

Two Weeks in Sicily

  2 Weeks

ITINERARY (Proposed)

NOTE: While the tour is organized by a local tour operator, Tommaso Pantè will be the Tour Director. For additional information about this tour, do not hesitate to contact me.

Lipari

  Full Day

The largest of the Aeolian Islands is Lipari. After arrival at Lipari Città, we will begin walking toward the Citadel or Acropolis with its archaeological artifacts. Here we will also visit the Archaeological Museum (Classic Section). Next we will enjoy a stroll along Corso Vittorio Emauele, the main street. After lunch, we will drive a 27-kilometre round trip: setting out from Lipari Città and heading north toward the small village of Canneto. Along the way, we will stop to admire the huge, magnificent white pumice cliffs of four distant villages: Quattrocchi, Quattropani, Porticello, and Campo Bianco. Once in Canneto, we will stop for a refreshing granita before returning to Lipari Città.

- Approx 1 hr from Milazzo to Lipari by hydrofoil
- Approx 2 hrs from Milazzo to Lipari by ferry

Lipari and Vulcano

  Full Day

The largest of the Aeolian Islands is Lipari. After arrival at Lipari Città, we will begin walking toward the Citadel or Acropolis with its archaeological artifacts. Here we will also visit the Archaeological Museum (Classic Section). Next we will enjoy a stroll along its main street,  Corso Vittorio Emauele. After lunch, we will drive a 27-kilometre round trip: setting out from Lipari Città and heading north toward the small village of Canneto. Along the way, we will stop to admire the huge, magnificent white pumice cliffs of four distant villages: Quattrocchi, Quattropani, Porticello, and Campo Bianco. Once in Canneto, we will stop for a refreshing granita before returning to Lipari Città.

Next we will depart by hydrofoil to Vulcano. According to ancient mythology, Hephaestus (the Greek god of fire) worked on this island as a blacksmith with the assistance of the Cyclops. After arrival, we will begin our walking tour in the village, also named Vulcano. Then we will head to the beach to view the mud pool of Acqua di Bagno, a thermal bath fed by hot springs and located near the Faraglione, a rocky hill filled with sulfur. During the summer the "mud baths" are a very popular destination for day-trippers..

Vulcano

  Full Day

Vulcano (20 minutes from Lipari by hydrofoil) greets all visitors with its strong smell of sulfur. According to Greek mythology, Hephaestus, (the god of fire and volcanoes) worked as a blacksmith on this island, assisted by the Cyclops. After arrival, we will walk around the small village, also named Vulcano. Then we head to the beach to view the mud pool of Acqua di Bagno, a thermal bath fed by hot springs and located near the Faraglione, a rocky hill filled with sulfur. During the summer the "mud baths" are a very popular destination for day-trippers.

Salina

  Full Day

The beautiful island of Salina, recognisable by its distinctive two-humped profile, was named Didmyme ("Twins") in antiquity. This excursion offers the perfect opportunity for a quiet connection with nature. After landing at the port of Santa Marina Salina (only 30 minutes from Lipari by hydrofoil), we will stroll along Via Risorgimento to experience the traditional lifestyle of these island Sicilians. Then we will travel by coach along a winding road offering many panoramic views of the jagged coastline.

We will ride by the village of Malfa and arrive at the village of Pollara, considered to have one of the most attractive and atmospheric stretches of coast on the Aeolian Islands. Here some scenes of  Il Postino (The Postman) were filmed: the meetings between poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret) and the postman (Massimo Troisi). On the return to Santa Marina Salina, we will have the opportunity to taste the famous Malvasia delle Lipari, a strong, sweet, golden wine made from grapes that have been left to wither on the wine before being picked.

Stromboli

  Full Day

Stromboli is a very sparsely populated volcanic island that shares its name with the active volcano. Its western side is blackened and uninhabitable from the eruptions. After arrival on its eastern side, we will walk to the village of San Vincenzo and visit its lovely church. As we walk around, we will stop for a few minutes at a small museum with a plaque outside noting the use of the house in the 1950 film Stromboli, Land of God and inside related photos and correspondence. The film, directed by Roberto Rossellini and starring Ingrid Bergman, showed the difficult lives of people living in such a desolate place. Next we will visit the Greek Necropolis, a cemetery with many vases and terra-cotta masks that date back to the 3rd and 4th Centuries B.C.  An overnight stay is recommended for several reasons. One, if we wish to hike up to the volcano's crater (weather permitting), we must plan on at least 5 hours, round trip with a local guide (mandatory). Second, if we wish to see and hear the eruptions, we must plan on taking an evening boat excursion.

Panarea

  Full Day

Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands. Imagine - no cars, no roads, and no pollution! After arrival, we will visit the archaeological remains of Punta Milazzese, a prehistoric village high above the beautiful bay of Cala Junco. After lunch, we will explore the other three small villages - Drauto, Iditella, and San Pietro. Today Panarea is often called the "jet-set island" because many wealthy and famous people spend holidays on the island or own villas there.

Filicudi

  Full Day

Filicudi (as seen from Salina) is an island composed of a group of craters. The highest crater is the Fossa delle Felci. After arrival, we will walk to the prehistoric village of Capo Graziano, located on a promontory with approximately 25 oval huts (about 50 minutes round trip). This site also provides a beautiful view of the bay. On the  return walk, we will stop in the village of Val di Chiesa to visit the lovely Church of Santo Stefano.

Alicudi

  Full Day

Alicudi is the most isolated of the Aeolian Islands. Its ancient name was Ericusa because the island was covered with heather, which still grows there. The island, inhabited by no more than 100 people, actually consists of a round cone. After arrival, we will walk to the village of Filo d'Arpa ("harp string") for its magnificent view of the ocean and other islands.

Genealogy Search

  Personalized

Are you interested in tracing your family’s roots in Sicily, but you do not know how or where to begin? Let me help you. If you and other family members are able to travel to Sicily, I can arrange a Beginning Genealogy Trip, suitable for all ages. If you are unable to travel to Sicily, I can research church records of baptisms and civil records of births, marriages, and deaths. Contact me to help you research your family tree.